In a recent interview, Chang Chao, the self-control engineer for the Dahu Lake Deep Tunnel project at China Construction Third Engineering Bureau, provided key insights into this pioneering initiative, which signifies a breakthrough in urban wastewater management in China. Since its launch, the project has effectively transported over 800 million tons of wastewater, a remarkable achievement especially highlighted during the National Day holiday.
The Dahu Lake deep tunnel, stretching approximately 17.5 kilometers and buried 30 to 50 meters underground, is a crucial infrastructure project for Wuhan. It aims to improve the city’s environmental health and support the conservation efforts of the Yangtze River. Officially receiving water in August 2020, the tunnel has since managed an average of 650,000 tons of wastewater daily, serving around 3 million residents in the Wuchang area. This achievement has positioned the Dahu Lake deep tunnel as a national benchmark for urban wastewater management.
Chang detailed the various technical hurdles the project faced, which included the development of specialized construction equipment such as long-distance hard rock pipe jacking machines and small-diameter shield tunneling equipment. This state-of-the-art machinery was crucial in overcoming the complex construction challenges posed by the tunnel’s compact cross-section, considerable depth, and the difficult geological conditions of the region. Furthermore, advanced management techniques, including 3D modeling for safety planning and rigorous quality control measures, ensured that high standards were maintained throughout construction, ultimately earning the project the prestigious “National Quality Engineering Award.”
During the operational phase, the project has introduced a smart deep tunnel management platform that enables real-time monitoring and intelligent control of the tunnel’s operational status. This platform includes sophisticated elements like a health monitoring system, drone patrols, and inspection robots, all designed to ensure safe and efficient operations.
Beyond its wastewater management capacity, the Dahu Lake deep tunnel significantly bolsters the city’s flood control and drainage systems. During this year’s rainy season, the tunnel handled a peak daily water volume of 926,200 tons, exceeding the average processing rate by 52.49%. Notably, in July, the average daily water transport reached 650,000 tons, reflecting a 10% increase compared to typical figures.
Chang emphasized that the Dahu Lake deep tunnel project not only facilitates comprehensive wastewater collection and treatment, thereby improving water quality in the Yangtze River and surrounding lakes but also reduces the need for upgrades to aging wastewater treatment facilities, minimizing environmental impact. Additionally, it prevents the unnecessary consumption of valuable land resources in Wuhan’s central urban area, enhancing land development potential and setting the stage for sustainable urban development in the future.
